Go Tribe

When the Indians folded in the final three games of the ALCS last year I almost tossed my Wahoo hat onto the roof of a building, but restrained, telling myself to wait until we get those Boston bastards next year.
Looking back, if I had known that on July 6, 2008 the Cleveland Indians would be... last in the AL Central at 14 games out of first place, playing without both injured Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner, without C.C. Sabathia who was traded to the Brewers for a AA prospect, last in the league in batting, first in the league in home runs allowed, last in the league in saves, and tail-spinning on a seven game losing streak... I probably would have thrown my hat.

Top 10 for moving back to Cleveland

I am hoping everything works out and I can soon move back to the motherland. I was pondering reasons I love C-town, which justify a return to the ole' neighborhood. Here are a few that came to mind.

1. Cost of living, family, friends
2. The artistic, colorful benches on Coventry Rd.
3. Stadium Mustard
4. The Colony
5. Lebron's remaining two years on his contract
6. Mark "Munch" Bishop
7. The proverbial "Hang on Sloopy" played at any Cleveland sporting event
8. Paddle tennis in the winter
9. The simple taste of Guy's pizza
10. Die hard Cleveland enthusiasts like Charlie's French "Fryes"

"The Colony" A great place but not for desserts

In a recent articled entitled "The Secret's Out" by Elaine T. Cicora, the illegitimacy of The Cleveland Scene Magazine Restaurant Review is captured. Cicora attempts to review a favorite restaurant of mine that my family and dear friends have frequented for a myriad of years, Brennan's Colony of Cleveland Heights. Because I know this place so well her piece was truly painful to read because she doesn't have the slightest idea about the menu, ambiance or egular patrons that occupy the establishment.

Elaine takes the reader through a tiring exploration of the menus exotic delicious dishes with examples of the ahi tuna salad and polenta. She writes, "During our visits, for instance, the holy trinity of asparagus, artichoke hearts, and spinach was almost ubiquitous." Within the first paragraph of her I lost interest but was determined to finish being very curious at the overall inaccuracy of her creation. I wrote a letter to the editor stating that her column was way off. She concludes her article by proclaiming the only thing missing from the Colony is a good dessert menu. I was so dumbfounded by this suggestion that I almost laughed out loud while reading at work.

I enlightened her that this place has never been about dessert nor will it ever be. I explained that the Colony has grown in popularity over the years from the local east side families, professionals, college and high school students spreading the word about their delicious, unofficial award winning, deep fried buffalo wings (hot, blended, mild). At Brennan's the masses gather to watch their favorite team and catch up over a few frostys, cocktails and wings while enjoying the simpler things in life. It's not a place that witnesses substantial chatter about the orchestra, civic issues or the latest exhibits added to William Busta's art gallery. At large the topics covered in her article, namely a lot of frou frou dishes certainly aren't the foundations of the Colony nor represent that true tradition of it. Her perceptions of the restaurant are clearly mistaken. Over time the chefs versatility certainly has increased with the addition of more alternative dishes to the menu. These same plates solely cater to the parents and grandparents tastes (and errr cholesterol levels) who foot the bill on their kid's dinner over Thanksgiving or Christmas break, having to watch their loved ones rip away at 15-20 blended wings with fries downed by a medley of 3-4 Bud Lights and sometimes more depending on the duration of the meal, stories told, grandmother wanting another glass, etc.

Elaine's article is an aberration to the community and Colony loyalists. She is trying to compare the Colony with hip restaurants in the Tremont or Little Italy area. It's menu isn't meant to compete with a Michelangelo or Paralax and that's what she's intending for it by "letting out the secret." I miss this place dearly and can't wait to be back.

Seriously?

So, I guess he's had this forever and I only recently figured it out. Get rid of it. A buddy of mine from the city of the #1 seeded Eastern conference team told me, "Hey Daniel, the 3rd grade called, they want the star on the back of your head back." Agreed. Not to beat a guy while he's down, impossible not to love the guy if you're from C-town and have witnessed his heroics, but the thing's got to go.

Amazingly, the Celtics are getting the most points of the series in their Game 6 vs. Cleveland (-2.5 to 3 points), even with the "star" on the shelf. Good luck Cavs, you may need some tonight.

KG is a Real Badass When It Matters None - Probably Went to St. Ed's

Kevin Garnett is great at screaming and yelling and pounding his chest when his team is winning by 8-15 points and he is at home. That is really admirable but it is not worth a damn until he can come up in a legitimate situation where a chest pouding is warranted. It is great that he has his own gatorade commercial (which i have noticed is basically not running anymore on the airwaves) but his one contribution to this series, win or lose, will be his incredible poise and stature as he got the basketball slammed through the hoop into his face as LeBron dunked on his sorry a**. What a badass!!!!!! Does not matter what happens from here on out in his career. He is marked and less hard than Axle Foley from than Wayne Brady trying to act goofy for a Major League sequel movie.

Of flaming swords and the scream team: Why I cannot get with the Q

I grew up making the trek down 271 to Richfield Coliseum. I miss those days. While everyone hoped for an arena downtown, I tried to hold on to tradition and routine. In the last decade or so the NBA has plummeted dangerously close to becoming categorized as "sports entertainment" - on a par with professional wrestling. The experience at the "Q" is quite the abomination and takes these extracurriculars to the extreme. Dan Gilbert has taken every original gimmick from 29 other NBA arenas and incorporated them into a 2.5 hour assault on your senses at the corner of Huron and Ontario. The basketball has become secondary (and considering our current offense, perhaps that is a good thing.) Make no mistake, those Cavs teams of the Coliseum would wipe the floor with this current Cavaliers team and any other team in the Eastern Conference over the past 8 years (this includes Detroit). That experience was about basketball first and entertainment second and not coincidentally, those crowds at the old coliseum were much more rowdy and effective. One recent NBA correspondent called the crowd at the Q the worst of the remaining playoff teams and that list includes the capital of transients and trailer parks - Orlando.

It was refreshing to hear David Stern come out yesterday and articulate his disapproval of all the pyrotechnics and entertainment extracurriculars which NBA Arenas assault you with. Now we have people courtside wearing designer jeans and blazers. Give me Eddie Nara. He is Cleveland fan. Let's not try to pretend we are Dallas or LA or Miami. I do not need rap music pumped in over the speakers of every possession. All we need is a little "Mony, Mony" or "Blitzkrieg Bop" at the timeouts. Attending a game at the Q is like 2.5 hour used car commercial - graphics flying at you and swirling around coming from five different scoreboards while some man yells at you over a microphone and commands you to do something. The flaming swords, the scream team, the cub cadet tractor seats, the scoreboards which run along the rings of the arena, the fatheads, parachuting coupons from the rafters, dancing toddlers, and music during possessions can all be done away with. It would make the crowd actually focus and respond to what is happening on the court and may actually make them louder. I listen to Michael Stanley's "Tonight's the Night" on my ipod before each game to remind myself of the day back when I had season tickets and went to each and every home game. It is not the same anymore and I think we need to reclaim the values which made those days so enjoyable for everyone as opposed to the superficial atmosphere which exists at the Q. I went to one game this year and told myself I would not go back. I had enough. You can find me in the bleachers across the street.

Tentative not BANDWAGON Cavs Fan.

I truly couldn't look at the previous two post self inflicted posts.... errr writing attempts and have decided to freshen up the homepage a little. I will give Miles (Rath) the hall pass since it's his birthday (Have a good one Porth, slam some Nati Lights and blended wings for me friend) but his self-proclaimed revisit to the comestronger community can't be endured any longer. I find myself in a very fragile state hours before the highly anticipated Game 2 of tonight's Cavs/ Celts series. I am a firm believer in contributing to a blog if you visit it, but won't question Stadium Mustard's and Johny's motives at the current time.

Not living in Cleveland during Cavaliers post season play has it pros and cons. For one it sucks to not be surrounded by your brethren where a majority of wine and gold fans will rule the masses. It's great going to Panini's, McSalt's or the Lonelial and know seeing a Boston/ Wizard fan won't be an option and if it does occurs he or she will forcibly be removed from the bar after the game soaked with beer regardless of a win or loss, peppered with senseless chants. Not living in Cleveland has its pitfalls because you have to face the Chowder Nation. A small caveat, the Wizards series was a breath of fresh air compared to game 1 thus far, but there will still a number of people claiming to be from DC during Lebron's conquering of them. One of the things I have struggled with this post season against the Wizards/ Celtics is where to watch the game. San Francisco is a very transient city and a huge chunk of it's citizens are Boston sports fans for worse. Frequently one will see a couple wearing matching brand new Red Sox or Celtics hats and it's truly disgusting. The perpetrator gets frustrated and overwhelmed on the spot because being a Boston fan is such a broad statement due to their questionable, always changing fan base. These "True Boston Fans" show no consistency across the board in their hometown and secondly, their allegiance can span a number of options.

The least possible of which is A) They are truly from Boston and are simply backing their home town team which is legit. B) They are somewhere from the "East Coast" and have a right to back the success of the dynastic Red Sox and Patriots while recently jumping onto the arrival of the popular Celtics. The east coast consists of 12 or so states leaving a lot of wiggle room where you are "truly" from. C) Their family vacationed once or twice on the Cape so they feel endeared to the Boston community forever. D) He or she grew up in Greenwich, CT and have the right to root for the Celtics because Boston is right up the coast and the Knicks suck. I apologize for the roundabout way in making my point that the bars in this city are frequented by all of the above mentioned groups (creatures)making it extremely tough for a loyal Clevelander to defend his city after a hideous loss due to the sheer number of growing Chowd fans they have to argue against.

I am on the fence at this time, but will inevitable make a B line for the Marina to my favorite watering hole to cheer on my Cavaliers regardless of tonight's outcome. Any "true" sports fan should never have this inviolable right breached by supposed Boston fans. Tonight we will see.

Rise Up and Go Cavaliers!

Dashawn = Marked

Yesterday's game was an all around joy for the 216 to watch. Minus a few turnovers at the end, and an erratic, string of ill advised jump shots on Varejao's part making for more of a barn burner than cardiac Cavs fan wished to see, the overall game was a result of solid, sustained play. There's no rivalry between these teams at this time nor has there been in the past and there certainly wont' be one until the Wizards beat us. At this point that seems very difficult. The heartless, white t shirt clad Wizards and fan base tried to disrupt LBJ with senseless chants. Their role player Deshawn should've followed suit from his fans in deciding to "stay down" halfway through the game however the rat was relentless with his ineffective antics throughout. He attempted to mock the Hova Dance in the opening moments, clap his hands on defense and eventually punched James with a cheap shot as he drove for a lay up. Rightfully he was called for a flagrant foul, which seemed to mark the collapse for the troubled individual and his team. The destructive Wizards imploded right then and there on bad karma, not for their uniform designers shortcomings in artistry, but rather for their repeated failure to respect the King and his men. Lebron maintained his composure with not spraying any bug spray on Stevens as he declared would've happened if they were in Akron. On the next possession he hit a long distance three and lead the Wine and Gold to a lead that never vanished.
In the waning moments James dished a selfless pass to Delonte West for the game winning three. Cavaliers fans went wild and rejoiced for the 3-1 lead and return to the comfortable Q for game 5. At this point I am sure "Stevens" wishes he had never uttered those stupid words (just as Gilbert regrets backing him and fueling the fire more). Poor decision making on his part with the media has contributed to his inevitable, fast fall from mediocrity. I am sure he wishes he could take his infamous, last words back in exchange for his fifteen minutes of fame, but at this point it's too late.

Oregon's GEAR- Enough is Enough!

The ongoing saga of Nike Duck gear took a turn for the worse Saturday night as the Ducks basketball team unveiled their black gear in a beatdown to the UCLA Bruins. These uniforms are are a lot worse than anything the football team wore this past season, which in and of itself is a feat worth recognition. Phil Knight is my boy and I gave him props in the LBJ post for always getting our back but come on Phil!

Just when I thought his designers at Nike couldn't do me any worse they go ahead and stitch black last names on a black jersey?!?! If you don't want to showcase your lack of starpower then a pull a Notre Dame after Montana left and don't rock the last names on the back. These unis are so ugly that the Washington Wizards and Gund Arena Cavs think you look bad.

Phil tell your designers at Beavertown to put the hippy lettuce down and to check the U of O traditional school colors. It's probably not a good idea to be rocking a staple color of your rival's uniform with Oregon State University's black. Last time I checked theOSU wasn't wearing scarlet, grey and blue.

Gotta Be The Shoes

In his short, illustrious career Lebron has conquered the Eastern Conference, made four All Star appearances, two topped off with MVP awards, nominated Rookie of the Year and most of all, rebuilt a franchise that was on the brink of implosion all by himself. Scarily LBJ improves statistically with each additional year despite the inability of the Cavs front office, errrr Danielle Ferry to sign even semi, marquee players. In the past month or so we have watched him torch Kobe for 41 (giving the Cavs their fifth consecutive win over the Lakers) at the Staples Center and rally a one man, fourth quarter come back past the Blazers with a buzzer beater. Right now we are seeing LBJ play off the charts once again. Five years ago the majority thought Nike gambled by investing $90 million dollars into the greatest high school player ever (LeBron) with their launching the Air Zoom Line before his ever playing in a NBA game. From the inception of his rise to stardom dedicated contributors and readers of "We talkin' bout flea market" knew Phil Knight, CEO of Nike was making the right choice.

With such lofty expectations he delivered to Nike while staying true to SVSM, Cavs and Lebron enthusiasts far and wide. In the process skeptics of his learned to never doubt him ever again. From the first Lebron game I ever watched I always paid attention to the shoes he was wearing just as I enjoyed doing with 45 and it certainly has been interesting so far.

As we continue to witness him greatness in LBJ’s fifth season it’s only appropriate to examine the shoes he rocked over the years with the Zoom Line I-V. Although Nike releases one single pair each year the Zoom line different styles and limited editions subsequently follow each highly anticipated release. His athletic prowess and ability to dominate games single handedly is leaving many convinced they are watching the best player ever. The scary fact that Lebron continues to improve his All Star numbers is equally matched by Nike’s artistry, creativity and craft allotted to the Zoom. In the same way he develops the shoe follow suit.

The fact that LBJ has established himself as the youngest and most talented player in the history of the league despite the hype and publicity he faced before entering helps explain the success of the Zoom and its overgrowing demand. Artists and designers from all over create their unique variations of the coveted line to align themselves with such a powerful brand and growing cult. The limited editions of the Zooms are sold on short notice at urban boutiques across the world and leave purchasers boosted with ownership of a rising commodity.

Last year The LeBron NYC Pop-Up Store & Exhibition was opened to a select group of NikeBasketball.com registered members. The space was designed by Eight Inc., the same people behind the beautiful Apple Stores around the world. Graphics through out the space were designed by Object (Weston Bingham and Warren Corbitt) in collaboration with Eight Inc.

In the summer of 2003 the “LeBron James Chamber of Fear” was released in five different cities. The shoe that came out in Thieveland is a combination of black patent, white and green leathers. Sneaker and Lebron fanatics could only purchase this limited pair of them at “Next Urban Apparel” in Shaker Square. Arthur Valdez, of Georgia waited in a snaky, two hour line at Shaker Square and was determined to get his. He comments, “They came out with interesting custom shoes for each city and if you’re not there, or you’re willing to pay big bucks, that’s the only way you’ll get them.”

This year’s edition of the Zoom come packed with information detailing his career and life. These cost 140 ducks. Lebron James had a great deal of involvement with the design of this Nike Lebron V white / navy. He insisted that the shoe looked as good off the court as it played on the court. It features a white / navy colorway, full grain leather, and gold accents/ trim throughout the shoe. The tongue features a lion symbol, which is remnant of himself. As you can tell from the 4 stitch construction on the heel, the shoe is big on durability. Also, there is a Lebron James 23 logo on the side panel dipped in gold. The bottom of the shoe features an Akron map and a carbon fiber plate in the center. This was inspired by his asking a family member in the fifth grade why Akron wasn’t on the globe. From that moment it was his goal to put his hometown on the map.

That is probably more than enough on the background on the history of the Lebron Air Zoom line. There is a lot of interesting information on the Zoom line and I felt it appropriate to provide some context as to why it and Lebron has come to this point in time. Included below are some cool pictures of the Lebron Zoom I-V and some of the limited editions in midst of historical performances.

The white, Zoom I are the ones he wore on Christmas day 2003 when the Cavs lost to Orlando 104-113 in overtime. Lebron celebrated his first Christmas in the NBA wearing a pair of lasered Air Zoom Generations while putting up the most points in the game with 34 points. TMAC WHO????

Nike Air Zoom II- Wore in his sophomore campaign.




Oympic Air Zoom Generation I- All time favorite pair. Extremely tough to find nowadays. I found my second pair yesterday and this store's last pair in Chinatown, SF for $50 and consider myself very lucky.

This edition of the Zoom LeBron IV are inspired Fruity Pebbles, which was LeBron’s favorite cereal growing up… Wondering how LeBron got his size (6-4, 240)? These have to be my all time favorite, never before have I seen such a vibrant and creative shoe for the King.

LeBron was rocking the NYC edition of the Zoom LeBron IV in last year’s game in NYC on November 13, 2006. It must have been the shoes! The Cavs beat out the Knicks 102-96 with LeBron scoring 29 points in his 41 minutes of play. Although my birthday was 13 days later, it was extremely unlikely to cop a par seeing as only 200 were made. Come on Mom!

In one of the most exciting game in Cavs recent history, game 5 of 2006, LBJ rocked a red/white version of the Lebron Zoom Soldier shoe.

The Nike Zoom Lebron 5 (V) - New York City (NYC) Edition will be a special NYC release. It is definitely a work of art, featuring logos and sayings all throughout the shoe’s upper. All around the shoe, hints and bits of Lebron James’ life is portrayed. The back of the shoe features a portrait of LeBron with his arms raised. It will be a limited release, and we will keep you updated as we receive more information.

For the 2007 All Star Game, LeBron was rocking the Zoom LeBron IV Graffiti in All Star colors. This graffiti shoe was first seen on the NYC LeBron shoe, the graffiti is by Mike Giant. So dirty.

Lebron wore the All- Star V's on Sunday while earning another MVP award.

Sorry Kobe, you can't have it!

Borat Bulery's travels in NE Ohio

A tall, dark male thought to be in his mid twenties and bearing a freakishly strong resemblance to Borat has been spotted several times at various Cleveland hotspots. Many have speculated that he is a direct descendant of the Kazakstan / Uniheights lineage and arrived in Cleveland late last Summer. Since his arrival he has spent countless hours on backyard porches reminiscing about fond times in his motherland with the company of close cousins and friends, Red Labels and Camel Filters. His cousins, from the eastern suburb of University Heights says he goes by "Bulery" and has embraced Clevleand sports and culture to the fullest. These photos show him to be in merry spirits at all times while having pints after work, or cheering on the Indians and Cavs in his free time. He was just promoted as an Account Executive of Dan Dee chips (Euclid, OH) and is supposedly growing his territory and moving his way through the ranks. Be sure to give "Bulery" a warm welcome if you spot him out on the town. Oh yeah, and don't be offended if he asks your sister or girlfriend, "Do you like sexxx?"

Looking ahead in the new year

Happy New Year! Went the simple route in this post.

In...

Gravys
grape bombs
Hot Dogs
Kristin Defino (spelling on first name? care)
Good laughs
khakis
crisp t shirts
Lebron
sleeping in
Carl Hiassen

Out...

Fox NFL robots
OSU losing in title games
Will Farrell
Superbad
pricey restaurants
True Religion jeans
Colgate
Squash
Panini's bartenders ruining the 'ol neighborhood
people that invest too much time into sports
Sportscenter
Klug's job search